Part 2- All you wanted to know on Universal Health Coverage

(Part 1 in 1st March issue of The Prescription)

How can one avail of UHC services?

The process of providing you with quality health care under this new system is an easy one. To access the health benefits offered you must first be registered with UHC. Every citizen will be issued an IT-enabled National Health Entitlement Card (NHEC) that will ensure cashless transactions of services. It will also be mobile across the country and contain the individual’s health information.

How will medicines be supplied?

People will get free access to medicines. Drugs included in the published UHC package will be provided at all participating facilities and you have access to this medication under UHC coverage. The government will ensure availability of free essential medicines by increasing public spending on drug procurement and purchasing more drugs in bulk.

Where can you go to get medical care?

People will be free to choose between government hospitals as well as contracted-in private hospitals which will be part of the system. The Government will be the guarantor and enabler but not sole provider of services.

What options are there to seek additional health insurance?

Citizens are free to continue to have private insurance coverage for medical treatment not covered by UHC.

What will happen to the coverage for health insurance that I already have?

With the introduction of UHC the insurance companies will adjust their coverage to include benefits not offered by UHC. Therefore, you may continue paying for private insurance. It is your choice.